Why, when US companies want to reach the Chinese market, do they have translations produced overseas in China, while at the same time companies who try to reach multilingual US markets also have translations produced overseas? I know cost is a major component of the answer, but doesn't it make more sense to always have translations produced where the audience actually is?

In US healthcare, for example, many of the topics that are translated are either non-existent in or very different from other countries (e.g., managed care, organ donation, privacy practices, etc.). Yet translation companies frequently outsource this work overseas.

In other words, where language communities are concerned, shouldn't culture be thought of as a combination of language and location? I'm seeking any evidence that suggests that different environments change language enough (due to separate cultural experiences and influence from other languages) to warrant that translations be produced locally in order to maximize comprehension by local immigrant communities.

I work in the translation industry so I know that there are plenty of qualified US-based translators in at least the 20 most common non-English languages. I understand the cost advantages of outsourcing overseas, but I'm trying to make the argument that locally produced translations are in the best interests of local populations. I feel that if we're talking about vital communications that affect peoples' lives in very real ways (healthcare, finances, insurance, social services, legal services, etc.), then profit should take a back seat.

I would be interested in any research in language change, culture and immigration related to this topic. Furthermore, even if there are those who would disagree with my argument, understanding possible disadvantages can be used to improve current methodologies and develop better services for local minority language communities.

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The LINGUIST List is under the umbrella of Eastern Michigan University and as
such can receive donations through the EMU Foundation, which is a registered
501(c) Non Profit organization. Our Federal Tax number is 38-6005986. These
donations can be offset against your federal and sometimes your state tax return
(U.S. tax payers only). For more information visit the IRS Web-Site, or contact
your financial advisor.
Many companies also offer a gift matching program, such that they will match
any gift you make to a non-profit organization. Normally this entails your
contacting your human resources department and sending us a form that the
EMU Foundation fills in and returns to your employer. This is generally a simple
administrative procedure that doubles the value of your gift to LINGUIST, without
costing you an extra penny. Please take a moment to check if your company
operates such a program.
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